Improvements Will Support Students and Programs
The Chieftain Stronger Bond 2023 initiative will fund a not only a new Sapulpa High School building, it will also facilitate improvements to athletics facilities, technology and equipment upgrades throughout the district, playground equipment and Junior High renovations.
Westside Sports Complex, where you can find Sapulpa Public Schools’ soccer fields and track facility, has now been expanded to add an indoor baseball and softball facility, concession areas, and baseball and softball fields with artificial turf.
“Our facilities must be competitive,” said Johnny Bilby, SPS Assistant Superintendent. “Smaller districts than Sapulpa have upgraded to artificial turf. If we don’t have welcoming, updated facilities, parents can choose to send their children outside of our district.”
Under head coach Steve Irvine, Sapulpa Chieftains Baseball won the 5A Regional Championship in 2022 and 2023. The team made it to the State semi-finals in 2023.
"This new baseball facility is a game changer for our Regional Championship winning baseball program. A turf field allows us to keep up with other top area baseball programs and avoid countless hours of field and facility maintenance where we can focus solely on bringing a State Championship product to the field," said Coach Irvine.
For decades, Sapulpa Chieftains Baseball played on leased land from the city. Plumbing under and around the field did not support crowds. Rain delays and cancellations due to mud and standing water on the grass were very frequent. The softball field was previously located in a neighborhood area near Liberty Elementary. The new central location with practice facilities and artificial turf benefits our softball and baseball teams as they grow and improve.
Share The Success
“You can never have enough gym space,” said Mr. Bilby. “These are gathering areas not only for student activities and athletics but venues that can be used by the community. Our Indian Education Department helps host a stomp dance in the fall, which attracts larger crowds each year. We could also simultaneously accommodate student and faculty activities, such as leadership programs or professional development.”
A perfect example is the Bucket Squad game, put on by the State Champion Sapulpa Lady Chieftains Basketball team annually. During the Bucket Squad game, the student body gathered to cheer on and support our Special Chieftains in a basketball game with the Lady Chieftains. An auxiliary space would be the perfect place to host student events such as the Bucket Squad game.
Year over year, our Sapulpa High School Ping-Ping Dance Team has been named Multi-National Champions, and our varsity cheer squad took state in STUNT in 2023. Students come to Sapulpa for award-winning activities which go hand-in-hand with learning. Funding adequate practice space is a crucial part of this bond issue.
Create Community Connections
Nice facilities attract state and even national tournaments, and that means dollars in our community. We host large tournaments at the Chieftain Center, and are often approached by organizations to host other community events.
“We are so thankful to Sapulpans for passing this comprehensive bond package,” said Rob Armstrong, SPS Superintendent. “It includes district-wide upgrades, new and improved athletic facilities, replacement of the entire transportation fleet, in addition to a new high school and a performing arts center. It’s no secret that great schools, and top-notch school facilities, generate community growth. Our facilities will now mirror the wonderful things going on in our classrooms.”
NOW is the Time
"The Sapulpa community is very supportive of our teams, showing up to games to cheer them on," said Mr. Armstrong. "We are thrilled that our facilities will enhance our programs and match the level of school spirit in our community."
Sapulpa Times: Chieftain Stronger, Part Four: Athletics
Renderings for conceptual purposes only, courtesy of Reed Architecture and Interiors.